Chapter 104 Her Choice

Blood Snow had no intention of paying him any mind. She turned over as if no one else existed, preparing to sleep.

Zuo Qiu Liye’s expression shifted, the smile at the corner of his lips vanished. “Do you know what became of someone who once dared to disregard me as you do, Little Snow?”

Blood Snow felt a touch of helplessness—he was doing this on purpose. Well then, she might as well play along, for as long as he was here, sleep would not come anyway.

“Allow me to hazard a guess—surely that person is still alive.” And no doubt living in great misery.

“Little Snow, you’re half right.” Hearing her, the smile returned to Zuo Qiu Liye’s lips; his voice was low and wicked, tinged with the scent of blood. “Little Snow, since you appeared again, that person’s existence has lost all meaning.”

So she had become the only one to ignore him now? Or perhaps…

“Are you suggesting that I inadvertently cost someone their life?”

“No, Little Snow. I want you to know just how important you are to me now.”

Was she to feel honored by that? His reasoning she could not accept. Zuo Qiu Liye was someone she truly wished to avoid; his patience would surely be worn thin by her one day.

Moreover, his words seemed to tell her that he could value her highly or dismiss her entirely. He would never treat her as an equal, for in this chase, their positions were inherently unequal.

He had already marked her as his possession.

Suddenly, like a spring breeze overnight, a thousand pear trees burst into bloom.

Sunlight poured from the east, the lotus pond was aglow, all draped in a silver-white mantle.

“Sister, it snowed so much last night! Look outside—it’s as if the world’s been brushed with a thick coat of snow,” Yue Ying leaned at the bedside, chattering to Blood Snow, her voice full of joy.

“Hearing you, it does seem a bit colder,” Blood Snow replied, sitting up, bundled in thick blankets.

It had snowed, and from Yue Ying’s description, it must have been a heavy snowfall. Zuo Qiu Liye and Dan Ying would surely not be in any hurry to depart. Yet, when the time came, would they still maintain this surface harmony?

She doubted it very much.

“Snow itself isn’t cold, it’s when it melts that the cold bites!” Yue Ying blew on her hands at the window, her cheeks flushed. “I used to rush out to build snowmen whenever it snowed, but now it’s much lonelier,” she mused.

“Do you want to go out and play?” Blood Snow understood her restless nature—how could she sit still for long?

“How could I? I’m here to keep you company. Besides, alone, there’s nothing fun to do,” Yue Ying sighed, sounding a little gloomy.

“To keep me company? I appreciate your kindness, but your presence here is rather bothersome,” Blood Snow said, her face calm, without a hint of jest.

This chattering girl made it impossible to find any peace.

“How could you say that, Sister…” Yue Ying huffed indignantly. “Then I’ll go find Luo Hua to build snowmen. He’s surely never made one! Ha, let’s see if he dares look down on me.”

With that, Yue Ying left cheerfully, pausing at the door to remind Blood Snow, “I’ll be outside in the courtyard building snowmen. Just call if you need anything.”

Once Yue Ying had gone, Blood Snow leaned against the bed.

After a day’s rest, she felt somewhat better, though still weak, and feared her movements would be hindered.

She tilted her head, deciding rest was best after all. Now, she could only be a spectator. She was curious to see how Zuo Qiu Liye and Dan Ying would choose—after all, two tigers cannot share one mountain…

“Luo Hua, do you even know how to build a snowman? Look at yours—it’s ridiculous!” Yue Ying’s cheerful voice carried from the courtyard, her laughter carefree and infectious.

“I truly don’t know how, Xiao Ying. Will you teach me?” Luo Hua, dressed in green robes, watched her lively manner; the gentle expression on his face never changed.

His eyes, tender as water, were warm enough to melt the cold snow around them.

“Well, if you don’t know, just watch from the side. Don’t waste the snow,” Yue Ying said, her nose nearly in the air as if building snowmen were an extraordinary accomplishment.

Blood Snow listened to their exchange, amused. Who was this Luo Hua, so indulgent toward Yue Ying?

In the courtyard, Yue Ying soon finished her snowman—a small figure just reaching her knees, with a carrot nose and almond eyes, a goofy smile. Not lifelike, perhaps, but undeniably cute.

She did not fear the cold, her small hands kneading the soft snow until they were red, but she played with abandon.

“Doesn’t Xiao Ying know snowmen are for children?” Luo Hua observed from the side, an odd smile on his lips. “It seems you truly have a child’s heart, something I can never match.”

“What? I call it a youthful spirit, youthful spirit! Besides, since you can’t build snowmen, there must be some reason for it,” Yue Ying replied mischievously.

“I simply don’t care for childish games,” Luo Hua answered, his face serious.

“You’re the child here…”

Outside, the two bantered back and forth. Their words were simple, yet full of charm.

Blood Snow couldn’t help but smile as she listened.

When dusk fell, Luo Hua came to check her pulse. Yue Ying followed, playing the role of a dutiful maid.

“Your body is much improved, Miss, though you still need rest. You are far too frail,” Luo Hua said after examining her.

“Thank you, sir,” Blood Snow nodded.

“Sister, no need to be so formal with him. After all, I’ve looked after him for so long, I finally feel a bit more balanced,” Yue Ying handed her a bowl of medicine, a tonic prescribed by Luo Hua himself.

Blood Snow took the medicine in one gulp and remarked, “Yue Ying, you’re as mischievous as ever. I wonder when you’ll return to your rightful place?”

But for them, what place could truly be called home?

So, whatever Yue Ying did, she wouldn’t interfere. Let her follow her heart—it wouldn’t be in vain to have come here. Still, she thought the Regent of the City-State could ensure Yue Ying’s lifelong peace and would make a good home, so she wanted to remind her.

“But the sky outside is so vast. I just want to stay out here. Besides, City-Seal tricked me into becoming his princess; otherwise, I’d never have done it. This time, I’ll only pay him mind if he comes out to find me himself.”

“…You really are childish,” Blood Snow shook her head.

Then again, hadn’t she done similar things herself?

The next day, Blood Snow was still resting in her room when uninvited guests arrived one after another.

“Blood Snow, come with me!” Dan Ying appeared like a cold wind, grabbing her hand, his tone urgent.

Blood Snow was bewildered—the scene seemed chaotic. Disorderly footsteps entered the room, stopping beside her bed. These must be Dan Ying’s people.

“Dan Ying, are you planning to abduct her?” came Zuo Qiu Liye, entering at a leisurely pace. His voice was relaxed, contrasting sharply with Dan Ying’s urgency, giving him the upper hand.

Blood Snow thought—they had finally torn off all pretense. But then, they were never truly allies.

In such circumstances, she could only suggest they settle it with a fight. But what had forced them to reveal their cards so quickly?

“Blood Snow, I’ll ask you once—who do you wish to go with?” Dan Ying looked at her, seeking her opinion.

How was she to answer? If she truly gave a reply, she would say each should walk their own path. But she had no right to speak, being a captive, a hostage.

Yet, if she chose nothing, Zuo Qiu Liye would surely be the victor.

So…

“Since the Crown Prince allows me to choose, I’ll choose the Crown Prince,” she answered.

If she chose nothing, Dan Ying would not do his utmost to free her from Wu Li Ye’s control. But by making a choice, Dan Ying would fight with all his strength.

Rather than stay with Zuo Qiu Liye and be used by him, she would rather Dan Ying, for he would be soft-hearted toward her.

At her words, both Dan Ying and Zuo Qiu Liye’s expressions changed.

Dan Ying’s cold, handsome face softened, as if he were smiling, though perhaps he was not.

He reached out and wrapped Blood Snow in his cloak.

“Little Snow, your choice has wounded me. But I’ll make you see how important it is to make the right decision,” Zuo Qiu Liye’s face turned cold, like the snowy landscape outside—chill and blank.

Both sides were evenly matched; a fierce battle was inevitable.

Dan Ying carried her through the window, leaving deep and shallow footprints in the snowy courtyard. The wind blew, reddening Blood Snow’s cheeks.

“Trying to escape? That won’t be easy,” Zuo Qiu Liye said coldly, his handsome face wearing a detached smile.

Blood Snow finally experienced the legendary storms of blood and violence. In the past, with Ji Wuqing, she had always been well protected, hadn’t she?

Ji Wuqing, when will you find me?

Both sides fought fiercely, unable to gain the upper hand.

“Dan Ying, if you keep delaying, will you make it back to Dan Kingdom tomorrow? If you’re late by even a step, your throne will not be secure. Are you sure you want to waste time on this woman?” Zuo Qiu Liye watched them calmly, utterly unhurried, intentionally blocking their way.

So that was it—Dan Ying was in a hurry to return to Dan Kingdom!

She realized she might truly have made the wrong choice.